Jakarta, IO – The embassy has updated its alert status following widespread unrest that has swept the country, sparked by massive anti-government protests.
“Considering the development of the current security situation and conditions in Bangladesh, the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka has increased the emergency status from Alert III to Alert II,” read an official statement from the Foreign Ministry (Kemlu), as per Kemlu.go.id, Tue (6/8).
As a consequence, Kemlu has advised the citizens against non-essential travel to Bangladesh until the situation is conducive.
“It is recommended to postpone travel to Bangladesh until the security situation and conditions improve,” it added.
The citizens in Bangladesh are also asked to step up vigilance and avoid activities outside their home and crowded places.
“Indonesian citizens are also expected to continue to maintain communication and follow the contingency steps set by the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka.”
In the event of any emergency, they are advised to contact the hotline of the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka at (+880) 1614444552 and Kemlu’s Indonesian Citizen Protection Directorate at (+62) 81290070027. According to official figures, there are currently 563 Indonesian in Bangladesh.
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Student-led anti-government protests in Bangladesh began in July 1 in response to the court order to reinstate the 30 percent civil servant recruitment quota for family members of independence war veterans.
The students considered that the quota system discriminatory and only benefited certain parties. They wanted this system to be reformed based on merit. The government cracked down hard, resulting in many casualties. This further angered the students and the general public, leading to demand for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. She eventually resigned yesterday and fled to India. The military is now in control. (un)